Street Performance Venues in the West

Subject: Street Performance Venues in the West
From: Eric the Streetsinger
Date: 05 Sep 04 - 11:29 PM

I spent 15 years working full time as a Street Singer in Boston. I moved to Arizona 2 years ago, because there are some good gigs down here and also because I love desert hiking. Here's the thing. I really miss
Street Performing. Anyone who's done it knows that its a whole different animal from Bar/Cafe/Concert gig. But Arizona is a weird place. Its hard to get wired into anything resembling a "scene" down here. I've played a few times in Bisbee, and once or twice in Tombstone, but I wonder if anyone else out there knows some decent Street Venues in the Southwest, or anywhere else in the US, for that matter, besides Boston and New York (I'm not ready to head back east yet!) Help!

Subject: RE: Street Performance Venues in the West
From: Gypsy
Date: 06 Sep 04 - 11:26 PM

not quite a street venue, but have you tried farmers markets? at least they are outside, and have like minded people in them

Subject: RE: Street Performance Venues in the West
From: Marion
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 02:32 PM

Hi Eric. I did some busking in Arizona while travelling through. I did pretty well in Flagstaff, on a few corners in the downtown core. I didn't see any other buskers, and I didnt have any trouble with cops, although one pedestrian did warn me that I might.

I also tried Casa Grande, but I think it was too low-traffic to be worth it. The only spot that looked to me to have potential was already taken by a jewellery stand the day I was there.

I never did try Phoenix, as its bus station wasn't central and I made a point of choosing towns where I could walk around starting at the bus station.

One other thing, since you mention hiking... I took the fiddle with me on a dayhike into the Grand Canyon (the busiest trail, Bright Angel) and played several times. I didn't have put my case out, as I was just playing to take breaks and hear the acoustics, but a number of people gave me tips anyway and stopped to chat. If your instrument isn't too heavy, bring it along sometime.

Cheers, Marion

Subject: RE: Street Performance Venues in the West
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 11:18 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Street Performance Venues in the West
From: Eric the Streetsinger
Date: 11 Sep 04 - 11:09 AM

Thanks Marion-
I've played on a few trails, and have earned a few tips.
I recently set up on the state park grounds at Kartchner
Caverns, and did fairly well. I've also found that Tucson
has a monthly street fair and they've told me I can play.
Its looking pretty good now, especially since the tourist
season is starting up!
Ciao!
Eric